Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88) - Bahamas (Ratification: 1976)

The Committee notes the reply to its previous direct request received in September 2000 as well as the Government’s report for the period ending in June 2005.

1. Participation of the social partners. In reply to its previous comments, the Government indicates that the Joint Tripartite Advisory Committee (JTAC) for employment service and labour relations was instituted via ministerial regulations. It also indicates that the representatives of employers and workers who participate in the JTAC were nominated by their respective organizations. The Committee notes this information with interest and requests the Government to continue to provide information on the measures adopted, in collaboration with the social partners, within the framework of the JTAC, to ensure the effective functioning of a free public employment service (Articles 1 to 5 of the Convention).

2. Measures for particular categories of applicants for employment. The Committee notes that a draft programme aiming at creating more employment opportunities for persons with disabilities is before Cabinet. It would appreciate receiving further indications on the measures taken to meet adequately the needs of particular categories of applicants for employment, such as persons with disabilities (Article 7).

3. Cooperation with private employment agencies. The Government reports that it is in the process of drafting legislation to regulate private employment agencies. The Government might consider it useful to refer to the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181) and the accompanying Recommendation No. 188, which are the most recent instruments adopted by the International Labour Conference to formulate and establish conditions to promote cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

4. Practical application. Please continue to provide statistical information concerning the number of public employment offices established, the number of applications for employment received, the number of vacancies notified, and the number of persons placed in employment by such offices (Part IV of the report form).